Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Chemical engineering is concerned with processes in which matter and energy undergo change. Despite the historically-inspired name, the material/energy transformations studies by chemical engineers include not only chemical, but also physical and biological changes. The range of concerns, therefore, is so broad that the chemical engineering graduate is prepared for a variety of interesting and challenging employment opportunities. The chemical engineer with his/her strong background in chemical, physical, and biological sciences is found in management, design, operations, and research. The chemical engineer is employed in almost all industries including food, polymers, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, medical, materials, and electronics. Since solutions to energy, environmental, medical, and food problems (to name but a few) must surely involve material and/or energy transformations, there will be continued demands for chemical engineers in the future. The chemical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org

The major objectives of the chemical engineering program are that

Graduates will gain employment in professional careers (often in positions of technical expertise in chemical engineering, but also including professions such as medicine, law, business, finance, non-profit organizations, government, education, etc.) and/or enroll in graduate studies.

Graduates will be committed to lifelong learning throughout their careers.

Graduates will assume positions of leadership.

Graduates will recognize the importance of utilizing their knowledge, skills, and initiative for the benefit of society and demonstrate that understanding through their interactions within their community, in government, or in society as a whole.

The chemical engineering faculty have strong interests in transport phenomena, process dynamics, biotechnology, biomedical application, nanotechnology, kinetics, catalysis, thermodynamics, polymers, and energy supply and conversion. Petroleum engineering faculty interests are in fluid displacement in porous media and enhanced oil recovery and reservoir modeling. Courses and research opportunities are available in all of these areas for undergraduate students of demonstrated ability. For more information on these programs, please visit http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/chemical